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NHL Realignment won’t happen In 2012-2013

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It was thought that the NHLPA signing off on new Realignment plans approved by Board of Governors last month was a lock but not so fast

The NHLPA has denied consent and realignment for 2012-2013 is on hold and won’t happen next season. The decision to reject the proposal will set the stage for negotiations as the CBA expires in September 2012.

The NHL will maintain it’s current alignment and playoff format for the 2012-2013 season

The previous realignment plans approved by NHL had the league going into four conferences which would feature the Penguins in a conference with Philadelphia, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals

Big concerns for the players has been the playoff format which was regarded as unbalanced (7 and 8 team divisions) and for example could have pegged Pittsburgh and Boston in the Cup Finals. Increased travel is also regarded as a concern for the players which led to the rejection after the league set a deadline for today